Method of a pharmaceutical delivery system for use within a joint replacement

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus of providing a joint replacement parts with a pharmaceutical delivery system is provided. The pharmaceutical delivery system is placed within the joint replacement parts to provide, over a period of time, sustained release of a controlled concentration of pharmaceuticals within the joint space of the joint replacement and to produce a local or systemic physiological of pharmacological effect.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/560,032 “Pharmaceutical Drug Delivery System” which was filed on Nov. 15, 2011, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to both a novel and useful device for releasing a useful agent. More particularly, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical delivery device having means for changing its release rate pattern for the subsequent release of the agent at a controlled and continuous rate over a prolonged period of time to obtain a desired local or systemic physiological or pharmacological effect. Specifically, the invention concerns a pharmaceutical delivery system for introduction into a joint replacement for the purpose of delivering a local concentration of an agent, such as pharmaceuticals, within the effective joint space, wherein the joint replacement may be, for example, a knee, hip or shoulder joint replacement. The methods allow sustained release of a pharmaceutical or multiple pharmaceuticals into a joint space in which the replacement parts reside, wherein the pharmaceutical agent may be used to treat infection, pain, inflammation, or osteolysis, or to prevent weakening of the bone-cement interface or bone-prosthesis interface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A Synovial joint, also known as a diathrosis, is a common and movable type of joint in the body. Synovial joints achieve movement at the point of contact of the articulating bones. A synovial joint is a part of the body where two adjacent bones are coupled and encapsulated within a synovial membrane, wherein the presence of synovial fluid within those capsules provides lubrication. More specifically, the joints have cartilage which coats the ends of the bones to allow for motion between the two bones without significant friction. Arthritis of a joint, which may arise from a variety of causes, is a debilitating condition that involves wear of the cartilage in a joint resulting in pain, stiffness, and loss of function. Treatment options for arthritis vary depending on the type of arthritis and include orthopedic bracing, medications, and joint replacement surgery, among other treatment options.

Joint replacement surgery is an orthopedic procedure that is performed on patients with various forms of arthritis to relieve pain, increase functionality, and improve quality of life. The joint replacement procedure may be performed, for example, on a knee, hip, or shoulder. However, there is about a 1-2% risk of infection in these joint replacements according to relevant literature. In fact, infections can be quite devastating for the patient and would require a surgical washout, followed by long-term intravenous antibiotics over a period of at least six (6) weeks. Chronic infections or infections by treatment-resistant bacteria entail a much more complex and invasive procedure. The surgeon must surgically remove all joint replacement parts. Then, an antibiotic loaded spacer, which makes the joint replacement less functional, is required. Finally, the patient must be treated with intravenous antibiotics for at least six (6) weeks. Once the infection is eradicated, the patient would need another surgical procedure requiring the use of a generally more complex joint replacement part.

Over the years, various pharmaceutical drugs have been developed to assist in the treatment of a wide variety of ailments and diseases. In many instances, however, these pharmaceutical drugs are not capable of being administered either orally or intravenously without substantial risk and detrimental side effects. Therefore, due to these risks and side effects that certain drugs impose, researchers have developed systems for administering these drugs to facilitate treatment of these ailments and diseases. Many of these systems provide for the pharmaceutical delivery device to release the pharmaceutical drugs at a certain rate in order to reduce the occurrence of detrimental side effects. Furthermore, in many therapeutic programs, in order to achieve the desired physiological or pharmacological effect, the pharmaceutical drugs must be administered by the pharmaceutical delivery system and released into the body at a controlled rate and over a prolonged period of time. In fact, in many instances, the rate of release of the drug from the pharmaceutical delivery device should have a zero order time dependence, that is, the rate of drug release is independent of time.

One embodiment of such a pharmaceutical delivery device is an orally administered pill or capsule which contains a drug encapsulated within various layers of a composition that dissolves over a period of time in the digestive tract, thereby allowing gradual or slow release of the drug into the system.

Another embodiment of such a delivery device is to mix a drug with a carrier material that is gradually broken down by body fluids. Therefore, as the carrier disintegrates, the pharmaceutical agent is released. Numerous materials, including waxes, oils, fats, soluble polymers, etc., have been used to serve as the carrier in such a pharmaceutical delivery device. While some of these delivery devices provide a delayed and prolonged release of the pharmaceutical drug, the desired constant rate of release over the extended period of time has not been obtained. One reason for variable rate of release is that as the carrier disintegrates, the surface area of the dosage unit decreases, concomitantly exposing increasingly smaller quantities of the carrier to the surrounding body fluids. This inherently results in a decline in the release rate of the pharmaceutical agent in the body over time.

Another type of device for controlling the administration of the pharmaceutical drugs is by coating the drug with a polymeric material permeable to the passage of the drug to obtain the desired effect. Such devices are particularly suitable for treating a patient when localization of the effect of the pharmaceutical agent is highly desirable, because the pharmaceutical agents can locally target only the designated area without having to expose the patient's entire body to the drug. Localizing the physiological and pharmacological effect of the pharmaceutical drug is advantageous, because any possible side effects of the drug could be minimized. These devices too, however, have inherent drawbacks. For example, a single material, such as silicone rubber polymers (especially polydimethylsiloxane), is generally selected to serve as the diffusion control membrane for the delivery device. These polymers were selected, in large part, because of their permeability to some important drug molecules. The mere high permeability without consideration for the release rate controlling properties, however, can be a significant disadvantage as to defeat the primary object of an acceptable drug delivery device. For example, with many important drug molecules, the diffusion rate through a polydimethylsiloxane membrane is very great, and, in fact, it is often greater than the rate of clearance of the diffused drug from the outer surface of the capsule. As a result, in many instances, the rate limiting step is the clearance of the pharmaceutical drug from the exterior of the capsule, rather than diffusion of the pharmaceutical drug through the capsule wall. As such, the pharmaceutical agent will not be released at the desired rate. Furthermore, clearance rate within the body is difficult to control, because the body is subject to frequent change. This inherently defeats the object of providing a drug delivery device which releases drug at a constant rate over a prolonged period of time.

Another type of device known to the art is to incorporate the pharmaceutical drug into certain type of liquid carriers, usually in microcapsule formulations. These microcapsules, however, are not designed for the controlled release of drugs for a prolonged period of time by using materials suitable for controlling the rate of release of the drugs. The microcapsules are frequently crushable, and they merely function as drug carriers supplying their drug in bulk. Therefore, rupture of the microcapsules results a bulk release rather than in a controlled release the pharmaceutical agents over time. As such, these types of capsules are not suitable for releasing drug at a controlled rate for a prolonged period of time.

The above described systems and devices are intended to provide sustained release rate of pharmaceutical drugs to bring about the desired local or systemic physiological or pharmacological effects. There are, however, many disadvantages associated with their use, including those discussed above. Furthermore, the drug may not be able to reach certain areas of the body via oral or intravenous administration of the drug. It will be appreciated by those versed in the art to which the present invention pertains that the present invention can be locally administered to target specified area as required.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a pharmaceutical delivery system, wherein the pharmaceutical delivery system is introduced into a joint replacement.

It is an object of the invention to allow the pharmaceutical delivery system to release a desired concentration of pharmaceutical over a sustained period of time into the joint space in which the joint replacement resides.

It is an object of the invention for the pharmaceutical released from the delivery system to produce a physiological or pharmacological effect.

It is an object of the invention for the pharmaceutical release from the delivery system to locally target only a specific area.

It is an object of the invention to place the pharmaceutical delivery system into the joint replacement part before the index operation.

It is an object of the invention to place the pharmaceutical delivery system into the joint replacement part during the index operation.

It is an object of the invention to place the pharmaceutical delivery system into the joint replacement part before the revision operation.

It is an object of the invention to place the pharmaceutical delivery system into the joint replacement part during the revision operation.

It is an object of the invention to place the pharmaceutical delivery system into the joint replacement during an irrigation and debridement operation.

It is an object of the invention to create a space on a joint replacement part in which to introduce the pharmaceutical delivery system.

It is an object of the invention to use a space that already exists to introduce the pharmaceutical delivery system.

It is an object of the invention for the pharmaceutical to homogenously mix or heterogeneously distribute into a polymeric matrix material.

It is an object of the invention for the pharmaceutical to be coated onto a metal piece that can take the same shape or any shape.

It is an object of the invention for the pharmaceutical delivery system to be attached to the polyethylene or other joint replacement part by an adhesive such as cement or glue.

It is an object of the invention for the pharmaceutical delivery system to be in any shape such as a cylinder, mound, hemisphere, or cube, etc.

It is an object of the invention to use sealant to secure the pharmaceutical delivery system into the recesses of a manufactured replacement part.

It is an object of the invention to use adhesive to secure the pharmaceutical delivery system into the recesses of a manufactured replacement part.

It is an object of the invention to use press fit to secure the pharmaceutical delivery system into the recesses of a manufactured replacement part.

It is an object of the invention to use the retardant itself to secure the pharmaceutical delivery system into the recesses of a manufactured replacement part.

It is an object of the invention to release pharmaceutical via diffusion, wherein the pharmaceutical moves from areas of higher concentration into areas of lower concentration.

It is an object of the invention that the introduction of the pharmaceutical delivery system will not interfere with the function of the joint itself.

It is an object of the invention that the introduction of the pharmaceutical delivery system will not interfere with the mechanical properties relating to the wear of the joint replacement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a method and system to introduce a pharmaceutical delivery device into a joint replacement to effect a physiological or pharmacological response. An exemplary embodiment is a pharmaceutical delivery system in which the pharmaceutical, such as an antibiotic, is kept in the recesses formed in the joint replacement parts and enclosed with retarder.

In a joint replacement, such as that of the hip or knee, a sustained release of high concentration of pharmaceutical drugs may be desirable. In the methods and designs of the invention disclosed herein, existing manufactured joint replacement parts can be used as the site for introducing the pharmaceutical delivery device. More specifically, the inserts, which are parts of the joint replacement parts and are often made of polyethylene, are ideal for the introduction of the pharmaceutical delivery device for various reasons to be discussed herein. In the insert, an area in the non-weight bearing surface is drilled to serve as the site for the placement of the pharmaceutical drug, such as antibiotic or other pharmaceutical drugs. These pharmaceutical drugs may be in pill, tablet, capsule, micro-encapsulated, liquid, or any other form. The space is created on a non-articulating surface of a joint replacement and is small enough such that it does not interfere with the functions of the joint replacement. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical delivery device would not interfere with the mechanical properties or wear characteristics of the polyethylene itself. A material that allows the pharmaceutical drug to diffuse across the member is used to seal the pharmaceutical drug into the polyethylene insert. The type of membrane, or more specifically the material of the membrane, determines the diffusion rate of the pharmaceutical agent across the membrane. As a result, the pharmaceutical drug will diffuse across the membrane to achieve the desired rate of delivery at the desired concentration for a sustained period of time.

The pharmaceutical drug delivery system may be implemented for use to release one or more pharmaceutical agent at a sustained and controlled rate. Particularly, it may use pharmaceuticals that are traditionally administered intravenously or taken orally in a pill form or liquid form

In one embodiment of the invention, the pharmaceutical delivery system comprises a pharmaceutical that is mixed with a polymer. The pharmaceutical and polymer mixture is then physically placed in a space artificially created within the polyethylene, and held into place with a sealant, press fit, adhesive, or screw-type mechanism, glue, or any anchoring mechanism. In one embodiment of the invention, the pharmaceutical may be in a paste or liquid form, placed in the space within the polyethylene, and sealed with a retardant that is comprised of any type of polymer.

In one embodiment of the invention, the pharmaceutical delivery system is comprised of polyethylene that has been previously treated with a pharmaceutical on its surface. This pharmaceutical-treated polyethylene delivery system is then introduced into a space within the existing polyethylene.

In one embodiment of the invention, the pharmaceutical delivery system can be introduced either manually or by a machine. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical system can be introduced before surgery with the use of a machine, drill, or a punch, followed by a sterilization process that does not affect the pharmaceutical properties of the pharmaceutical agent. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical delivery system can be introduced before the surgery in a sterile environment by a surgeon or a surgeon's assistant. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical system can also be introduced during the surgery.

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical delivery system comprises of a pharmaceutical that is homogenously mixed or heterogeneously distributed into a polymeric matrix material. The pharmaceutical agent may elude through the polymeric matrix or the polymeric matrix material that may or may not degrade or dissolve in vivo. As a result, the pharmaceutical drug is released at a controlled pace over a prolonged period of time to obtain the desired physiological or pharmacological effect.

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical drug delivery device can be a metal piece that is coated with the pharmaceutical agent. More specifically, instead of the pharmaceutical heterogeneously or homogeneously mixed with a type of polymer, the pharmaceutical is coated onto a metal piece that can be in the same shape or in any shape. Furthermore, the metal piece can be attached and placed into the polyethylene in the same way—anchored, glued, or press-fit.

In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical delivery device can be in any shape, such as cylinder, mound, hemisphere, or cube, etc. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical delivery device is attached to the non-weight bearing part of the polyethylene or other joint replacement part by an adhesive such as cement or glue.

Accordingly, what is disclosed is a drug delivery system for the sustained administration of a pharmaceutical into a joint replacement at a controlled rate to produce a beneficial response, the device comprising a body comprising at least one portion of pharmaceutical mixed with at least one portion of polymer; a joint replacement having an insert wherein the insert is drilled to cause an opening to accommodate the body; wherein the body is placed inside the opening without interfering with the joint replacement's normal operation; a membrane sealing the body within the opening; wherein the membrane is comprised of a material which allows for the pharmaceutical to diffuse across the membrane; wherein the material further determines the diffusion rate of the pharmaceutical crossing the membrane.

In one embodiment, the beneficial response is a pharmacological response. In one embodiment, the beneficial response is physiological response. In one embodiment, the joint replacement is a hip replacement. In one embodiment, the joint replacement is a knee replacement. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical is an antibiotic. In one embodiment, the opening is located at a non weight bearing area of the insert. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical is in a paste form. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical is in a liquid form. In one embodiment, the insert is made of polyethylene. In one embodiment, the body is further held within the opening with an adhesive. In one embodiment, the body is further held within the opening with a screw type mechanism. In one embodiment, the body is further held within the opening with a press fit. In one embodiment, the body is further held within the opening with an anchoring mechanism.

In another embodiment, the body is further held within the opening with a sealant. In another embodiment, the drilled is accomplished by a machine process. In another embodiment, the drilled is accomplished by a manual process. In another embodiment, the joint replacement is sterilized after the insert is drilled. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical is homogeneously mixed with the polymer. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical is heterogeneously mixed with the polymer.

In yet another embodiment, the body is in a shape of a cylinder. In yet another embodiment, the body is in a shape of a mound. In yet another embodiment, the body is in the shape of hemisphere. In yet another embodiment, the body is in a shape of a cube. In yet another embodiment, the material is a degradable polymer. In yet another embodiment, the polymer is a polytetraflouroethylene. In yet another embodiment, the polymer is a polyester. In one embodiment, the polymer is a silicone. In one embodiment, the material is a combination of one or more polymers. In one embodiment, the polymer is a natural occurring polymer. In one embodiment, the polymer is a synthetic polymer. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical is mixed with radio-opaque compound.

In another aspect of the invention, a drug delivery system is disclosed for the sustained administration of a pharmaceutical into a joint replacement at a controlled rate to produce a beneficial response , the device comprising a joint replacement having an insert wherein the insert is coated with a pharmaceutical. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical is an antibiotic.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed to delivery drug for the sustained administration of a pharmaceutical into a joint replacement at a controlled rate to produce a beneficial response, the method comprising: providing a body comprising at least one portion of pharmaceutical mixed with at least one portion of polymer; preparing a joint replacement having an insert wherein the insert contains an opening; placing the body inside the opening without interfering with the joint replacement's normal operation; sealing the body within the opening with a membrane; wherein the membrane is comprised of a material which allows for the pharmaceutical to diffuse across the membrane; wherein the material further determines the diffusion rate of the pharmaceutical crossing the membrane.

In one embodiment, the joint replacement is sterilized after the insert is drilled. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical is heterogeneously mixed with the polymer. In one embodiment, the body is in a shape of a cylinder. In one embodiment, the body is in a shape of a mound. In one embodiment, the body is in shape of hemisphere. In one embodiment, the body is in a shape of a cube.

In one embodiment, the material is a degradable polymer. In one embodiment, the polymer is a polytetraflouroethylene. In one embodiment, the polymer is a polyester. In one embodiment, the polymer is a silicone. In one embodiment, the material is a combination of one or more polymers. In one embodiment, the polymer is a naturally occurring polymer. In one embodiment, the polymer is a synthetic polymer. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical is mixed with radio-opaque compound.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the invention will not be described with reference to the drawings of certain preferred embodiments, which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the invention, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative overview of a total knee joint replacement system and the pharmaceutical delivery device.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a top view of a cruciate-retaining tibial liner of a knee replacement part with targeted area of pharmaceutical delivery device.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a front view of a cruciate-retaining tibial liner of a knee replacement part with targeted area of pharmaceutical delivery device.

FIG. 4 is a close up diagram representation of the pharmaceutical delivery system functioning within a joint replacement part.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a front view of a posterior-stabilized tibial liner in vivo of total knee replacement with targeted area of pharmaceutical delivery device.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a side view of a Patellar button of a knee replacement with targeted area of pharmaceutical delivery device.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a hip replacement part in vivo with targeted area of pharmaceutical delivery device.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a front view of an Acetabular liner of a hip replacement with targeted area of pharmaceutical delivery device.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a side view of an Acetabular lipped-liner of a hip replacement with targeted area of pharmaceutical delivery device.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a top view of a naturally occurring space in a hip stem of a hip replacement with targeted area of pharmaceutical delivery device.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a top view of a naturally occurring space in a tibial component in a hip replacement with targeted area of pharmaceutical delivery device.

FIG. 12 is an illustrative view of the tibial tray with targeted area of the pharmaceutical delivery device.

FIG. 13 is a close up diagram representation of the pharmaceutical delivery device using a layer of retardant.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of the pharmaceutical delivery system using polyethylene that has been previously treated with a pharmaceutical.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a drill forming the recesses in replacement parts of a joint replacement system wherein the pharmaceutical delivery system may be inserted

FIG. 16 is an illustration of the addition of adhesive into the recesses form in the replacement parts of a joint replacement system

FIG. 17 is an illustration of an encapsulated pharmaceutical.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of the introduction, via the adhesive method, of an encapsulated pharmaceutical into the recesses of the replacement part of a joint replacement system.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of the introduction, via the press fit method, of an encapsulated pharmaceutical into the recesses of the replacement part of a joint replacement system.

FIG. 20 is an illustration of the introduction of an encapsulated pharmaceutical into the recesses of the replacement part of a joint replacement system and secured by the retardant.

FIG. 21 is an illustration of a mound shaped pharmaceutical delivery system attached via an adhesive onto a joint replacement part.

FIG. 22 is an illustration of a rectangular shaped pharmaceutical delivery system attached via an adhesive onto a joint replacement part.

FIG. 23 is an illustration of the use of a cylindrical machining device against a polyethylene layer of a joint replacement part.

FIG. 24 is an illustration of the use of a cylindrical machining device to core out a cylindrical artificial recess against the polyethylene in a joint replacement part.

FIG. 25 is an illustration of the cylindrical artificial recess in the joint replacement part created by the cylindrical machining device.

FIG. 26 is an illustration of a cylindrical pharmaceutical delivery system being attached to the cylindrical recess in the joint replacement part.

FIG. 27 is an illustration of the use of a conical machining device against a polyethylene layer of a joint replacement part.

FIG. 28 is an illustration of the use of a conical machining device to core out a conical artificial recess against the polyethylene in a joint replacement part.

FIG. 29 is an illustration of the conical artificial recess in the joint replacement part created by the conical machining device.

FIG. 30 is an illustration of a conical pharmaceutical delivery system being attached to the conical recess in the joint replacement part.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the practice of the present invention, the pharmaceutical delivery device provides many important advantages over those of the prior art. One advantage is the ease of construction and implementation of the pharmaceutical delivery device into the joint replacement parts using standard manufacturing techniques. The present invention is adaptable to the various sizes, shapes, and forms of the different joint replacement parts; therefore, there is no need to manufacture specialized joint replacement parts for the device to function. As such, the pharmaceutical delivery device disclosed herein can complement any joint replacement part to deliver pharmaceutical agents locally or systematically to effect the desired physiological or pharmacological response.

The method and designs of the pharmaceutical drug delivery device for joint replacements in the present invention may be used at the index procedure in higher risk patients to deliver antibiotic at a sustained dosage to prevent acute infections from occurring in the first place. The system may also be used to deliver an antibiotic for a sustained period of time in the setting of infection at a second operation that requires a surgical washout of the joint replacement. Moreover, the system may be used to deliver antibiotics in the setting of a revision joint replacement that is performed as a result of infection or any other causes. In addition, the system may also be used to deliver, instead of antibiotics, a drug that can disrupt the glycocalyx protecting the bacteria from antibiotics.

Joint replacement surgeries are generally painful and recoveries are generally long—sometimes requiring three (3) months off work, travel, and/or participation in physical fitness activities. Under these circumstances, the pharmaceutical delivery system may be used to deliver anti-inflammatory medication or analgesic medication at the index or revision joint replacement surgery to allow for pain control and quicker rehabilitation.

A significant percentage of joint replacement surgeries are complicated by excessive scarring and stiffness. This often leads to additional operations, and the results are frequently poor. The pharmaceutical delivery system may be used to deliver an anti-scar forming medication.

Moreover, there is often significant bleeding into the joint space of the joint replacement surgery that can result in stiffness, pain, drainage, and repeat operations. The pharmaceutical delivery system may be used to delivery an anti-bleeding medication.

Typically, joint replacement surgeries are prone to failure over time from a process called osteolysis, which is the disruption of the bond between the bone and cement or between the prosthesis and bone. Additionally, as the age of the patient decreases, the burden of the revision surgery increases exponentially. In these circumstances, the pharmaceutical delivery system may be used to deliver a bone supportive medication at the index or revision joint replacement to prevent the disruption of the bone-cement interface or bone-implant interface.

The present invention provides a method for a pharmaceutical delivery system to be placed in a joint replacement, wherein a desired concentration of pharmaceutical can be released, in a sustainable manner, over a period of time.

To implement the pharmaceutical delivery device, an area in the non-weight bearing surface is drilled for the placement of the pharmaceutical drug, such as antibiotic or other drugs. The pharmaceutical drug may be in either a pill, tablet, capsule, micro-encapsulated, liquid, or any form. A material that allows diffusion of the pharmaceutical agent across the membrane, wherein the type of membrane determines the diffusion rate of the pharmaceutical agent, is used to seal the pharmaceutical agent into the polyethylene insert. As a result, the pharmaceutical agent will diffuse across the membrane to achieve the desired delivery at the desired concentration for a period of time.

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical delivery system comprises of a pharmaceutical agent that is homogenously mixed or heterogeneously distributed into a polymeric matrix material, wherein the material may be a degradable polymer, a polytetraflouroethylene, a polyester, a silicone, or a combination of any polymers. The material may also be a non-degradable polymer. Additionally, the material may be formed of a synthetic or naturally occurring polymer. The pharmaceutical agent may elude through the polymeric matrix, or the polymeric matrix material may degrade or dissolve in vivo, resulting in a controlled release of the pharmaceutical agent to locally or systemically effect a physiological or pharmacological response over a period of time.

The pharmaceutical formulation may be in any form, and the pharmaceutical mixed with the polymer may be in any form. The formulation may be in a viscous form, elastic form, or more rigid, or it may be paste-like, rubber-like, or more firm, and it may have similar properties as that of the polyethylene into which the formulation is being placed.

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical drug delivery device can be a metal piece that is coated with the pharmaceutical agent. Specifically, instead of a pharmaceutical heterogeneously or homogeneously mixed with a type of polymer, the pharmaceutical is coated onto a metal piece. Like the pharmaceutical mixed with polymer, the metal piece can also take on several shapes as that of the plastic to accommodate the polyethylene insert. The metal piece coated with pharmaceuticals would be functionally equivalent to that of the pharmaceutical and polymeric matrix material mixture. Furthermore, similarly to the pharmaceutical and polymer mixture, the metal piece can be attached and placed into the polyethylene in the same way—anchored, glued, or press-fit.

The pharmaceutical delivery system can be introduced into the joint space manually and held into place with a press fit, screw-type mechanism, glue, or any anchoring mechanism. The pharmaceutical delivery system can also be sealed into place or be additionally treated with a layer of sealant that controls the diffusion of pharmaceutical into the joint space to bring about the desired physiological or pharmacological effect.

In another embodiment, the delivery system is comprised of polyethylene that has been treated with a pharmaceutical. The surface may be treated, for example, with abrasion and coated with a pharmaceutical. This surface would be contiguous with the joint space such that it allows delivery of the pharmaceutical into the joint space. The pharmaceutical delivery system is then introduced into the existing polyethylene once space is created using methods described above.

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical delivery system is introduced into a space in a joint replacement part that already exist. This pre-existing space functions as a naturally occurring reservoir within the joint replacement parts within which the pharmaceutical delivery system may reside. The pharmaceutical delivery system would be introduced into these reservoirs using the techniques introduced above.

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical delivery system can be implemented without drilling any of the joint replacement parts. More specifically, the pharmaceutical delivery system can be in any shape, such as a cylinder, mound hemisphere, or cube shaped. This pharmaceutical delivery system is then attached to the polyethylene or other joint replacement part by an adhesive such as cement or glue. The pharmaceutical delivery system would attach to the non-weight bearing surfaces of the joint replacement parts. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical agent may be mixed with a radio-opaque compound allowing the pharmaceutical to be visible on radiographs. As such, physicians would be able to track it and confirm that the adhesive bond has not been broken on subsequent films.

The pharmaceutical delivery system may include any drug in any form; more specifically, it may include, but is not limited to those traditionally used intravenously, in liquid, gel, pill, tablet, capsule, micro-encapsulated, suspension, or other such form. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical itself may be any drug or biological agent.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative overview of a total knee replacement system, including the femoral component 100, the polyethylene insert 101, and the tibial component 102. The proposed site 103 for the pharmaceutical delivery system is located at the polyethylene insert 101.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a cruciate-retaining tibial liner 200, in which the proposed site 201 of pharmaceutical delivery system is located. The cruciate-retaining tibial liner 200 described herein is the same component as that found in the FIG. 1 described above.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a cruciate-retaining tibial liner 300, the same component as described in FIG. 2 and found as part of the total knee replacement system described in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a close up diagram representation of the pharmaceutical delivery device 402 functioning within joint replacement parts, wherein the pharmaceutical delivery system 402 resides in a space inside the polyethylene liner 401. Because the pharmaceutical delivery device allows for the diffusion of pharmaceutical agents from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration, the pharmaceutical drugs will diffuse out 403 from the pharmaceutical delivery device 402 which has a high concentration towards the effective joint space 400 which a low pharmaceutical concentration.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a posterior-stabilized tibial liner in vivo, wherein there is a femoral component 500, a posterior stabilized tibial insert 501, and a tibial component 502. The proposed site 503 of the pharmaceutical delivery system is located at a space within the posterior stabilized tibial insert 501.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a Patellar button 600, wherein the targeted area 601 of the pharmaceutical delivery system is located.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a hip replacement part 700 in vivo, including the Acetabular cup 701, the Acetabular liner 702, the prosthetic head 703, and the femoral stem 704, wherein the targeted area 705 of the pharmaceutical delivery system is located.

FIG. 8 illustrative of a front view of an Acetabular liner 800 of a hip replacement, wherein there is an Acetabular insert 801 and a targeted site 802 of the pharmaceutical delivery system.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of an Acetabular lipped- liner 900 of a hip replacement, wherein a targeted site 901 of the pharmaceutical delivery system is located.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of a naturally occurring space of a hip stem in a hip replacement system 1000, wherein there is a hip femoral stem 1001 and a targeted area 1002 of pharmaceutical delivery system.

FIG. 11 illustrates the top view of a naturally occurring space in a tibial component, wherein the site 1101 of pharmaceutical delivery system is located in a naturally occurring space within the hip femoral stem 1100.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the tibial tray 1200, wherein the site 1201 of the pharmaceutical delivery system is located in a naturally occurring space in the tibial tray 1200.

FIG. 13 is a diagram representation of the pharmaceutical delivery system 1300 located within a space in the polyethylene 1301, wherein the pharmaceutical drug diffuses 1302 from area of high concentration inside the pharmaceutical delivery system 1300 through a retardant 1303 to an area of low concentration in the effective joint space 1304.

FIG. 14 is a diagram representation of the pharmaceutical delivery system 1400 located within a space in the polyethylene 1401, wherein the pharmaceutical delivery system is previously treated with a pharmaceutical. Furthermore, the site of diffusion for the pharmaceutical drug is coated with antibiotic 1402 and the pharmaceutical drug diffuses from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration into the effective joint space 1403.

FIG. 15 illustrates the use of a drill mechanism 1500 making an artificial space 1502 in a joint replacement part, wherein the drill 1501 is used to create the appropriate space for insertion of the pharmaceutical delivery device.

FIG. 16 illustrates the addition of adhesives 1602 into the artificially created space 1603, wherein the adhesive is administered by an adhesive needle or device 1600 with a guiding release mechansim 1601 for accuracy and ease of use.

FIG. 17 illustrates the encapsulated pharmaceutical wherein the pharmaceutical 1701 is encapsulated by retardants 1700 to form the desired shape.

FIG. 18 illustrates the insertion of the encapsulated pharmaceutical delivery device 1800 into the artificially created space 1801, wherein the encapsulated pharmaceutical device 1800 is held in place with the use of adhesives 1802.

FIG. 19 illustrates the insertion of the encapsulated pharmaceutical delivery device 1900 into the artificially created space 1901 through the press fit method, wherein the fit of the encapsulated pharmaceutical device 1900 and the artificially created space 1901 is perfectly matched such that the friction between them keeps each other in place.

FIG. 20 illustrates the insertion of the encapsulated pharmaceutical delivery device 2001 into the artificially created space 2000 through the use of anchors 2002, wherein the anchors 2002 are part of the retardant used to encapsulate and create the pharmaceutical delivery device.

FIG. 21 illustrates the attachment of the pharmaceutical delivery device 2100 onto the joint replacement part 2101 via the use of adhesives 2102, wherein the pharmaceutical delivery device 2100 can be any shape, such as mound shaped. The pharmaceutical delivery device 2100 attaches to a non-weight bearing area of the joint replacement part 2101 and the pharmaceutical will diffuse through the retardant into the effective joint space 2103.

FIG. 22 illustrates a box shaped pharmaceutical delivery system 2200 using the same methodology as described for FIG. 21, wherein the pharmaceutical delivery system 2200 is attached onto the joint replacement part 2201 via the use of adhesives 2202. The pharmaceutical delivery device 2200 also attached to a non-weight bearing area of the joint replacement part 2201 and the pharmaceutical inside the pharmaceutical delivery device 2200 will diffuse through the retardant and into the effective joint space 2203.

FIG. 23 illustrates a machining device 2300 with a cylindrical shape 2301 to be used 2302 against the polyethylene area 2303 of a joint replacement part.

FIG. 24 illustrates the use of a machining device 2400 with a cylindrical shape 2401 against the polyethylene area 2402 of a joint replacement part.

FIG. 25 illustrates the cylindrical artificial recess formed 2501 on the polyethylene area 2500 of a joint replacement part.

FIG. 26 illustrates the attachment of the cylindrical pharmaceutical delivery deice 2603 into the cylindrical artificial recess 2601 of the joint replacement part 2600 via press fit or adhesive 2602.

FIG. 27 illustrates a machining device 2700 with a conical shape 2701 to be used 2702 against the polyethylene area 2703 of a joint replacement part.

FIG. 28 illustrates the use of a machining device 2800 with a conical shape 2801 against the polyethylene area 2802 of a joint replacement part.

FIG. 29 illustrates the conical artificial recess formed 2901 on the polyethylene area 2900 of a joint replacement part.

FIG. 30 illustrates the attachment of the conical pharmaceutical delivery deice 3003 into the conical artificial recess 3001 of the joint replacement part 3000 via press fit or adhesive 3002. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A drug delivery system for the sustained administration of a pharmaceutical into a joint replacement at a controlled rate to produce a beneficial response, said device comprising: a. a body comprising at least one portion of pharmaceutical mixed with at least one portion of polymer; b. a joint replacement is drilled to cause an opening to accommodate said body; c. wherein said body is placed inside said opening without interfering with said joint replacement's normal operation; d. a membrane sealing said body within said opening; e. wherein said membrane is comprised of a material which allows for said pharmaceutical to diffuse across said membrane; f. wherein said material further determines the diffusion rate of said pharmaceutical crossing said membrane, wherein said pharmaceutical is an antibiotic, wherein said joint replacement is a hip replacement, wherein said body is further held within said opening with a press fit.
 2. The drug delivery system of claim 1 wherein said beneficial response is a pharmacological response.
 3. The drug delivery system of claim 1 wherein said beneficial response is physiological response.
 4. The drug delivery system of claim 1 wherein said opening is located at an non weight bearing area of said insert.
 5. The drug delivery system of claim 1 wherein said pharmaceutical is in a paste form.
 6. The drug delivery system of claim 1 wherein said pharmaceutical is in a liquid form.
 7. The drug delivery system of claim 1 wherein said body is further held within said opening with a press fit. 